Biodiversity and Its Importance

Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life on Earth, including genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. It is unevenly distributed, with areas like coral reefs and tropics being highly biodiverse. There is a significant knowledge gap, with many species yet to be discovered, especially in oceans. Biodiversity changes due to speciation and extinction, processes influenced by human activities. Humans have caused declines in biodiversity but also hold the power to reverse these effects through conservation efforts. Biodiversity is crucial for providing essential resources like clean water and a stable climate, making it vital for humanity's future.

What does biodiversity refer to?

• The number of humans on the planet

• The variety of species on Earth

• The number of plants in a forest

• The amount of water in the ocean

Which environments are known for high biodiversity?

• Deserts and tundras

• Coral reefs and tropics

• Urban areas and cities

• Mountains and plateaus

According to Robert May, how many species are yet to be described?

• 20 million

• 10 million

• 5 million

• 1.2 million

What are the three levels of biodiversity?

• Animal, plant, and microorganism

• Genetic, species, and ecosystem

• Forest, ocean, and desert

• Land, water, and air

What is speciation?

• The adaptation of species

• The migration of species

• The creation of new species

• The extinction of a species

How can human activities impact biodiversity?

• By causing species to migrate

• By creating new ecosystems

• By increasing the number of species

• By leading to species extinction

What is one major cause of biodiversity decline?

• Natural disasters

• Volcanic eruptions

• Human habitat destruction

• Increased rainfall

Why is biodiversity important for humans?

• It reduces the need for agriculture

• It provides clean water and a stable climate

• It increases the number of cities

• It decreases the number of natural resources

What can humans do to reverse biodiversity decline?

• Increase urban development

• Ignore environmental issues

• Cease harmful activities

• Continue current practices

What is the future of humanity without biodiversity?

• More technological advancements

• No future

• Increased population

• Better health